The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win your Inner Creative Battles

A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War of Art is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. hat keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor-be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identif ies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself. Whether an artist, writer or business person, this simple, personal, and no-nonsense book will inspire you to seize the potential of your life.

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I really enjoyed this book because it gave me the courage to pursue something I've always wanted to do (art). It was straight-forward, and the message is clear. I think this book will help people who are ready to receive the messages. Otherwise it might come off as harsh and/or unenjoyable.

I couldn't finish this book.
The tone was way too self-righteous and preachy for my taste.
Art & Fear by Bayles and Orland deals with much the same subject and seems to me to be a much more balanced read

Sad to say, this book did little for me. The author spends the bulk of the book with short, and I mean short, articles about procrastination and "resistance." There is very little new here and it really doesn't focus on "art," but does pertain to anything that holds us back from action. With over 2/3 of the book focused on resistance, there's not enough about taking action, unless you can accept his distinction between amateurs and pros, with pros the ones who dig down, concentrate, and actually move forward in their passion.

Not usefull to me. A lot of disparate thoughts and half-empty pages.
Perhaps this author had something of value to share, but the poor style got too much in the way.
I think he thinks that he is Buddha, and that we are all his disciples. Sorry, not.

The way this book is written suggests that in an alternate history Steven Pressfield is a religious sect guru—he emotes like he's receiving divine direction—and The War of Art is the group's bible. Some say this is EXACTLY what being creative is all about. I say that's complete hokum.

The War of Art is one huge, spiritually infused pep talk aimed at those struggling with writer's block, or painter's block, or whatever. The majority of us, and I'm including myself here, would do well to ignore all this sermonizing and return to the non-procrastinating business of being creative. And in a nutshell that means quit stalling, sit your butt down and get back to work.

A book for all artists. Also, a book with a very spiritual message. Humorous, uplifting and yet serious. Bringing us down to the core of an artist's challenges. Looking forward to read his other books, like the movie-adapted The Legend of Bagger Vance.

Summary

I agree with Cinette. No matter what your project is -- your life, a book, an invention, or a painting.
I highly recommend! It has helped me understand my block around writing -- and allowed me to figure out a strategy that has kept me writing.
Thanks Steven Pressfield for getting past your blocks and writing this book.

Goodreads Summary:
DO YOU:
· dream about writing the Great American Novel?

· regret not finishing your paintings, poems, or screenplays?

· want to start a business or charity?

· wish you could start dieting or exercising today?

· hope to run a marathon someday?

If "yes," then you need…THE WAR OF ART

Now, in this powerful, straight-from-the-hip examination of the internal obstacles to success, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity. THE WAR OF ART is an inspirational, funny, well-aimed kick in the pants guaranteed to galvanize every would-be artist, visionary, or entrepreneur.

Steven Pressfield enjoys great international success as a bestselling novelist. But in order to reach the top he had to do a lot of work to fight the inner demons that told him he couldn’t make it. THE WAR OF ART is his challenge to creative block, and his succinct, straight-from-the-hip style will help every reader unleash their personal ambitions, be they literary, artistic, or business-minded.

According to Pressfield, the internal obstacle to success is Resistance. Resistance is the difference between the life you lead and the life you want to lead, and can take many forms. Pressfield shows readers how to identify and defeat Resistance at every turn and challenges them to change their amateurish, unsuccessful habits into a professional attitude that can get the job done. Finally, Sun Tzu for the soul!

Inspirational, funny, and a great kick in the pants, THE WAR OF ART is the perfect book for anybody who had a goal circumvented by life and circumstance: which is to say, you and everybody you’ve ever met.